2024-10-03
Early coverage overwhelming positive
First protests arise in Europe in 1950s (but not focused on energy)
Peak in the late 1970s
1958: Lanza Del Vasto and followers protest construction of a nuclear bomb near a commune in southern France
1960s: mass (mostly peaceful) protests focus opposition to nuclear energy as part of broader environmental movement
1970s: “only electricity, only nuclear power” becomes policy in 1974
Later 1970s: Mass civil disobedience and some violent confrontations with police
1977: mass multinational protest at Creys-Malville ends with a protester killed and three maimed
Malville incident undermines the movement, and is portrayed in the right wing press as the work of “outside agitators” (especially the West German left)
Francois Mitterrand pledges a referendum, then promptly breaks his promise
1950s/1960s: mixed/positive views among environmentalists
Early 1970s: energy crisis makes nuclear energy more viable
Later 1970s: strategy of pursuing legal/regulatory challenges to the construction of new plants leads to delays
Activists adopt civil disobedience in later 1970s (Seabrook)
Three Mile Island characterized as the “deathblow” for the pro-nuclear side
Minimal opposition through early 70s
1975: Peaceful occupation of planned site at Wyhl lasts 10 months and inspires imitators in Brokdog and Grohnde
Later 1970s sees elite and mass polarization, and the rise of electorally effective Green parties
Social Democrats, Liberal Party, and unions adopt anti-nuclear positions by 1980s
Opposition to nuclear power picks up in the 1970s
The Centre Party, by 1976, adds a nuclear phaseout to their platform
Phaseout referendum in 1980 decides no future reactors will be constructed